Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
@55: Counting Allah's Blessings
@55: Counting Allah's Blessings
*Qasim Akinreti, PhD 
There was a popular refrain in the Holy Qur'an Suratul Rahman saying" How many blessings of Allah can you recount".
Countless of them I would say. From the gift of birth in the remote village of Borgu kingdom- Kainji, New Bussa, Niger state, through thick and thin in Ibadan, Lagos, Singapore, Nottingham, UK, Florida, US, Portugal, Senegal, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and presently in Abuja.
The Glorious Birth
A couple -Mudathir Oladepo Akinreti, a transporter and Sidikat Leyo Akinreti, nee Olayade, a business woman gave birth to me on October 10th, 1967 in Kainji, New Bussa Borgu Kingdom. Both are from. Ile life, state of Osun, Southwest Nigeria.
My father was a Driver in the Niger Dam Authority, the firm that constructed the Kainji Dam in the 60s .
Educational Pursuit
Pa Akinreti returned to Ibadan with his family and enrolled me at St. Stephen's Primary School, Inalende, Ibadan, Oyo state in 1973. I completed primary education at Seventh Day Adventist Old Ife Road Agodi GRA, Ibadan in 1979.
I proceeded to the Holy Trinity Grammar school, Ibadan and completed secondary education at Loyola College in 1985.
The tertiary education pursuit began in Ile Ife at the famous Oduduwa College for Higher School Certificate, HSC /Advanced Level programme in 1987.
At Oduduwa College, I was appointed the Librarian Prefect. I sat for History, Government and Literature in English. This enables me to secure admission to study for a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. My area of specialty is "Gifted and Talented Education". Under the federal educational system policy during Professor Jubril Aminu's era, the Special Education graduates were prepared to teach at the Suleja Academy - the school for Gifted and Talented Children. Unfortunately, after the exit of Jubril Aminu as the Minister of Education, that educational policy was abandoned. I left teaching temporarily for my first love Journalism.
Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Ogba, Lagos was my first port of call to horn my skills after a series of articles I wrote in the secondary school as a member of the Pres Club, remarkably at Holy Trinity Grammar school.
After graduating with a Post Graduate Diploma PGD in Journalism, in 1993, further training in Journalism took me to the Caldecott Media Center Singapore, in 2000, Media Development Network, in 2014, and Poynter Media Institute, Florida, US, 2006, Witts University, South Africa, 2007-Commonwealth Broadcasting, CBA Distance Learning Certificate programme .
As part of my academic aspiration to be a highly resourceful Journalist, I got a Postgraduate scholarship from Voice of Nigeria to study Online Journalism at Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK between 2002 and 2003.
This academic attainment was followed by a Master of Philosophy Degree, M.Phil. in Mass Communication and a Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, in Mass Communication between 2014 and 2017. Effectively, I became a journalist and an academic.
Resounding Broadcasting Career
After my internship with Voice of Nigeria, VON in 1993, I was offered a job as Editor 11, in the News Directorate on April 4th, 1994.
During the internship I was tutored by eminent young and old broadcasters, starting from Late Tunji Oseni, Muhammed Okorejior, Ben Egbuna and Mr. Roberts. Alhaji Ishola Dada, was then the Assistant Director News.
The young turks then were Mr Ahaziah Suleiman, Ben Shemang, Victor Kodesoh, Chris Okoyomoh, Mr Pius Mebie, Mr Akara, Tolu, and Yemi Fakayejo, Osaze Iyamu, Gabriel Omohinmi among others.
The Amazons who were there for me include, Hajia Sani, Mrs. Mary Atolagbe, Funke Atohengbe, Remi Kazeem Jimoh, Juanita Iwuna now Mrs. Ashade and the late Ngozi Anibogu. There were my big sisters and senior colleagues.
Within a short time, I was trained to produce Sixty Minutes, Vonscope, Africa Hour, West Africa Today, Business Day, Africa Newspapers Report and Reporters Diary. 
Career Rise
At the early stage of my career, I was given the necessary exposures. Late Yaya Abubakar gave me employment based on track records as an " Intern ". Victor Kodesoh, Head of Reportorial gave the first reportorial opportunity to travel with the NNPC media team to Escravos Forcados, Niger Delta region and Eleme Petro Chemical Complex in Port Harcourt. That was a remarkable experience to remember. It was an opportunity of a lifetime to move around the Niger Delta and have first-hand experience in the Oil and Gas of the Nigerian economy. The effective reportage from the on-shore and offshore platforms sharpens my reportorial skills.
Ben Shemang, Yemi Fakayejo, and Chris Okoyomoh were at various times Head of the Reportorial Corps. They were always there to provide a guide for good Correspondent Reports.
At various times, I covered Education, Politics, Foreign Affairs and the Business desk. I had a long stay in the Business Desk until I was redeployed to the editorial unit.
My longest trip across the world was achieved in the Reportorial Unit. I started with travels to the neighbouring countries of Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, and later Senegal and Cote D' Voire for international assignments for VON.
South Africa Highway Africa Conference completed my duty tours of the Continent. I was in South Africa back-to-back from 2006 to 2010.
The First Africa-EU summit in Portugal was the gateway to start my exploits in international assignments in Europe. The postgraduate years in the UK and the mid-term election in the US capped the Reportorial work in the Americas.
The Journey to Asia and the Middle East began with the Singaporean experience with Hajia Sani through the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, CBA, Broadcasters Internet Course. In 2008 and 2011, I covered the Holy pilgrimage in Makkah and Medina. I travelled through Egypt and Morroco.
My last reportorial duty was in the Lagos State Government House, Alausa Ikeja. I covered Governor Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu's last lap in the" Round House" and the early years of Governor Raji Fashola administration.
Our working tool then is the "Nagra", a heavy audio equipment. You must have enough strength to carry this equipment. You are also duty-bound to flag sections of reel-to-reel tapes for sound bites.
The Editorial Desk in the Newsroom was a perfect place to learn effective writing skills for an international audience. Mr Pius Mebie, Akara, Tolu, Chris Okoyomoh, Hajia Sani, Atolagbe, Atohengbe and the late Ngozi Anibogu were News Editors, I worked as Sub -Editors.
The tasks were listening to BBC, and VOA news, transcribing, and sourcing stories from NAN bulletins.
Here you must be able to listen and write fast. The introduction of the internet into the newsroom then makes work very easy in the late 90s and early 2000.
Many thanks to the Assistant Director News, Omowunmi who redeploy me to the Current Affairs Desk. I went through the tutelage of the Late Mr Roberts. Udoh Etefiah, Hajia Sani, Funke Atohengbe, and Bartholomew Ikiebe were "Deans " of Vonscope and Sixty Minutes", programmes. Ahaziah Sulyman and Francis Ehikhase handled the Sports Desk. Muhammed Hamman, Osaze Iyamu, Hanatu Isiyaku, Olajide Zubair, Juanita Iwuna were some of the golden voices of news presentation.
Mr Taiwo Alimi, the Director General, DG, had a vision of a multimedia international radio station. He set the ball rolling for the Online news unit for VON. The unit now metamorphosed into the Digital Media Department today. Hajia Sani, Mrs. Mary Atolagbe, myself , Akin Adumasi, Amina Fagbemi were some of the pioneer staff of the unit.
Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa, DG after Alimi gave necessary support. It is indeed a good story for the Digital media department today under Osita Okechukwu, the current DG.
My promotion from level 09 Editor 1, to present grade level 16, Deputy Director came through hard work and discipline.
My Service to NUJ
At the inception of my broadcasting career, in 1994, I joined the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ,Voice of Nigeria chapel. I rise from Financial Secretary to Vice Chairman between 1996 to 2002.
This stewardship propels me to the state council of the NUJ. I started as a committee member for education/ training, website management, and publication to be elected as Chairman, of NUJ Lagos state council in 2017.
This was a remarkable public service I ever cherish from 2017 to 2020. VON management and staff gave me all support needed to achieve resounding success. 
I later served as a member of the local organising committee to host the international conference for the International Press Institute in 2018. I travelled with the Nigerian delegation to the IPI conference in Switzerland in 2019. Today, I am a proud member of IPI and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE.
That has been the journey so far.
Qasim Akinreti, PhD
*Deputy Director Digital Media Voice of Nigeria*
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Friday, July 2, 2010
Nigerian Northern Leaders Opt For Dialogue On Zoning
Northern Leaders Opt For Dialogue On Zoning
Political leaders and Governors of Northern States in Nigeria have agreed to consult with other stake holders in the country over the zoning arrangement of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP for the Presidency to North.
Rising from a meeting in Kaduna, the political leaders said after consultations, they would take a definite stand on the zoning arrangement.
Meanwhile, a member of the PDP, Suleiman Yerima has advised Northern Political leaders to accept the new political reality in Nigeria and forget about zoning of the presidency in the 2011 election to the North.
He told voice of Nigeria that, the South-south were President Goodluck Jonathan comes from should be allowed to produce the next President.
Suileiman Yerima promised to reach out to Northern Political gladiators to convince them on the need to allow President Jonathan run for the Presidency in 2011.
Political leaders and Governors of Northern States in Nigeria have agreed to consult with other stake holders in the country over the zoning arrangement of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP for the Presidency to North.
Rising from a meeting in Kaduna, the political leaders said after consultations, they would take a definite stand on the zoning arrangement.
Meanwhile, a member of the PDP, Suleiman Yerima has advised Northern Political leaders to accept the new political reality in Nigeria and forget about zoning of the presidency in the 2011 election to the North.
He told voice of Nigeria that, the South-south were President Goodluck Jonathan comes from should be allowed to produce the next President.
Suileiman Yerima promised to reach out to Northern Political gladiators to convince them on the need to allow President Jonathan run for the Presidency in 2011.
10 things you should never buy new- By Donna Werbner
Never, ever buy this stuff new - get it second-hand or free instead!
Before buying an item new, it’s always a good idea to stop and ask youself: Is there any way you could get the same item, or a decent equivalent, for less if you buy it second-hand? Can you even get it for free?
Follow some of these tips, and you could cut your shopping bills by as much as 50%!
1) Designer clothes
Why pay rip-off prices for a new piece of designer clothing? Instead, simply head to a ‘swishing’ party and swap any designer clothes you currently own with like-minded fashionistas. Check out swishing.org for details of swishing events near you, or swap them online via Posh Swaps and BigWardrobe. Alternatively, invite some friends round to yours and host your own clothes swapping party!
ADVERTISEMENT
2) Electrical goods
You may worry that if you buy electrical goods secondhand, they won’t work. But did you know several well-known high street retailers sell their reconditioned electrical goods online, complete with limited warranties? For example:
* the Comet Clearance auction website specialises in refurbished kitchen appliances
* the Tesco Outlet on eBay sells everything from refurbished digital cameras to televisions
* Argos Clearance Bargains sells a wide range of refurbished electrical goods including laptops and DIY tools
* whilst MPB Photographic sells high-end used digital camera equipment.
Just remember to research such websites first using search engines, to pick up any bad reviews.
3) Self-assembly furniture
Why bother buying furniture from Ikea and Homebase when community freebie sites such as Freegle and SnaffleUp often offer the items you want, pre-assembled, for free? You can even post ‘wanted’ notices asking for specific items. Alternatively, find out where regular house clearance auctions are held in your local area, and bag some bargains that way.
4) Cars
Everyone knows the price of a brand new car depreciates the moment you drive it out of the showroom. As long as you know how to buy a good value used car, it shouldn’t depreciate too much and your car insurance should be reduced as a result. Follow these tips to pick up a bargain at a car auction and read up on what to check before you buy.
5) Books
As long as you can read the words on the page, a book is exactly the same whether you buy it new or secondhand. So stop buying books! Either head down to your local library, or if you hate the hassle of returning your books, swap them instead for free. Read Where to get free books for more information.
6) Software
Instead of buying software, get it for free online. Here are some alternatives to the big brands:
Instead of…
Free alternative
Microsoft Office
Open Office, Google docs
Microsoft Windows (operating system)
Ubuntu, Freespire and openSuse
Kapersky/McAfee security software
Barclays’ customers can download Kapersky's internet security suite software, which includes anti-virus software and firewall (worth £51) for free, while HSBC's customers can download a free 12-month subscription to McAfee Security software here
Anti-virus software
AVG
Anti-spyware software
AVG
Firewall
Comodo and Zone Alarm.
Photo editing
F-spot and Gimp
Media players
WINAMP or VLC
Games
Scratch
7) Property
If you buy a newly-built property, you’re likely to pay what’s known as a ‘new-build’ premium. In other words, it’s worth more because it’s all shiny and new – but the moment you move in, it falls in value. Plus, developers often give discounts to buyers if they can’t sell the entire block – which means an identical property to the one you buy may be sold soon after yours at a lower price. Also, if you buy in an area with lots of space for other new build developments, you may be surrounded by a building site before too long, and local buyers may prefer newer properties to yours. Read The true value of new build property to find out more.
8) Sports equipment
The world is full of people who try, and fail, to take up a new sport, despite their best intentions. That’s a fact. Many of them end up selling the equipment they bought at knockdown prices on gumtree, vivastreet, eBay or even for free on Freegle and Snaffleup. Most have hardly been used at all.
9) Blu-ray DVDs
Everyone knows it’s much cheaper to buy a CD, DVD or computer game secondhand – the big concern is whether the disc is scratched. However, bear in mind there are lots of ways to fix a scratched CD and blu-ray DVDs are particularly hard to scratch. Swap them via xhangemy.co.uk or swapshop.co.uk, or buy them from musicmagpie.com.
10) Pedigree pets
Why pay hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds for a pedigree pet when you can rescue one for a fraction of the cost? If you’re set on a pedigree cat, for example, there are loads of pedigree cat rescue centres around the country for specific breeds, while the Kennel Club allows you to search for a pedigree rescue dog by breed.
Get help from lovemoney.com
If you want help saving money, you've come to the right place.
First, adopt this goal: Save money in every room of your home
Then, watch this video: Slash your energy bills
Finally, why not have a wander over to Q&A and ask other lovemoney.com members for hints and tips about what worked best for them?
Before buying an item new, it’s always a good idea to stop and ask youself: Is there any way you could get the same item, or a decent equivalent, for less if you buy it second-hand? Can you even get it for free?
Follow some of these tips, and you could cut your shopping bills by as much as 50%!
1) Designer clothes
Why pay rip-off prices for a new piece of designer clothing? Instead, simply head to a ‘swishing’ party and swap any designer clothes you currently own with like-minded fashionistas. Check out swishing.org for details of swishing events near you, or swap them online via Posh Swaps and BigWardrobe. Alternatively, invite some friends round to yours and host your own clothes swapping party!
ADVERTISEMENT
2) Electrical goods
You may worry that if you buy electrical goods secondhand, they won’t work. But did you know several well-known high street retailers sell their reconditioned electrical goods online, complete with limited warranties? For example:
* the Comet Clearance auction website specialises in refurbished kitchen appliances
* the Tesco Outlet on eBay sells everything from refurbished digital cameras to televisions
* Argos Clearance Bargains sells a wide range of refurbished electrical goods including laptops and DIY tools
* whilst MPB Photographic sells high-end used digital camera equipment.
Just remember to research such websites first using search engines, to pick up any bad reviews.
3) Self-assembly furniture
Why bother buying furniture from Ikea and Homebase when community freebie sites such as Freegle and SnaffleUp often offer the items you want, pre-assembled, for free? You can even post ‘wanted’ notices asking for specific items. Alternatively, find out where regular house clearance auctions are held in your local area, and bag some bargains that way.
4) Cars
Everyone knows the price of a brand new car depreciates the moment you drive it out of the showroom. As long as you know how to buy a good value used car, it shouldn’t depreciate too much and your car insurance should be reduced as a result. Follow these tips to pick up a bargain at a car auction and read up on what to check before you buy.
5) Books
As long as you can read the words on the page, a book is exactly the same whether you buy it new or secondhand. So stop buying books! Either head down to your local library, or if you hate the hassle of returning your books, swap them instead for free. Read Where to get free books for more information.
6) Software
Instead of buying software, get it for free online. Here are some alternatives to the big brands:
Instead of…
Free alternative
Microsoft Office
Open Office, Google docs
Microsoft Windows (operating system)
Ubuntu, Freespire and openSuse
Kapersky/McAfee security software
Barclays’ customers can download Kapersky's internet security suite software, which includes anti-virus software and firewall (worth £51) for free, while HSBC's customers can download a free 12-month subscription to McAfee Security software here
Anti-virus software
AVG
Anti-spyware software
AVG
Firewall
Comodo and Zone Alarm.
Photo editing
F-spot and Gimp
Media players
WINAMP or VLC
Games
Scratch
7) Property
If you buy a newly-built property, you’re likely to pay what’s known as a ‘new-build’ premium. In other words, it’s worth more because it’s all shiny and new – but the moment you move in, it falls in value. Plus, developers often give discounts to buyers if they can’t sell the entire block – which means an identical property to the one you buy may be sold soon after yours at a lower price. Also, if you buy in an area with lots of space for other new build developments, you may be surrounded by a building site before too long, and local buyers may prefer newer properties to yours. Read The true value of new build property to find out more.
8) Sports equipment
The world is full of people who try, and fail, to take up a new sport, despite their best intentions. That’s a fact. Many of them end up selling the equipment they bought at knockdown prices on gumtree, vivastreet, eBay or even for free on Freegle and Snaffleup. Most have hardly been used at all.
9) Blu-ray DVDs
Everyone knows it’s much cheaper to buy a CD, DVD or computer game secondhand – the big concern is whether the disc is scratched. However, bear in mind there are lots of ways to fix a scratched CD and blu-ray DVDs are particularly hard to scratch. Swap them via xhangemy.co.uk or swapshop.co.uk, or buy them from musicmagpie.com.
10) Pedigree pets
Why pay hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds for a pedigree pet when you can rescue one for a fraction of the cost? If you’re set on a pedigree cat, for example, there are loads of pedigree cat rescue centres around the country for specific breeds, while the Kennel Club allows you to search for a pedigree rescue dog by breed.
Get help from lovemoney.com
If you want help saving money, you've come to the right place.
First, adopt this goal: Save money in every room of your home
Then, watch this video: Slash your energy bills
Finally, why not have a wander over to Q&A and ask other lovemoney.com members for hints and tips about what worked best for them?
Paintball Sports Debut in Nigeria
Paintball Sports Debut in Nigeria
Qasim Akinreti, Lagos
Paintball, one of the fastest growing sports in the world has been introduced into Nigeria by Empire Sports Company at the Elegushi Private Beach in Lekki, Lagos Nigeria.
Paintball is a sport meant to generate team spirit and develop leadership skills among participants. The game is also ways to develop inter departmental rivalry, sports challenges and company challenges as the hallmark of the game is mental alertness.
A typical Speed ball game, takes about 7 minutes. This can also be arranged to suite individuals or corporate requirements.
According to Usman Al- Hassan the initiator of the sport project in Nigeria, “Most first time players are attending a corporate event day, stag party, birthday party or just a group of friends getting together to have a day of fun.
He said after playing for the first time a large number are "bitten by the bug" and return on a regular basis. The common presumption of non-players is that paintball caters for the Rambos of society and those with a paramilitary bent. Little do they know that paintball is a well organised, exciting and expanding sport.
The location
The location of the Paintball sport is quite inviting and reassuring for a good relaxation Empire located on the Elegushi Private Beach. Sun, sea and energetic atmosphere is an attractive offer to fun seekers and sports enthusiasts.
The Grey Areas
Usman also used the opportunity of the first outing of the gamer in Nigeria to answer most common questions asked about the sport as a perceived dangerous venture in Nigeria’s clime.
In his words, “if you are wearing sensible clothing. Close range shots do hurt and cause a bruise but we tailor games to reduce the instances of close range shots therefore reducing the chances of bruises etc. Safety is the key word on our site. On arrival at our site you will be issued with a safety mask, specifically designed for paintball, coveralls to protect your clothes and other items of equipment. A comprehensive safety talk will be given at the start of the day before any player is allowed to touch a marker (gun) or start the day's play. We use pump action or semi automatic markers”.
As a fun game, moderate charges of N1000 are collected for safety equipment, coveralls, and the use of a marker.
Valued added
Before and after the game, participants and spectators have the unique opportunity refreshments, spice with barbeques and good music on site to make the day more enjoyable and memorable. Tailor package can be made for corporate clients, friends, families and children (over the age of 10).
Qasim Akinreti, Lagos
Paintball, one of the fastest growing sports in the world has been introduced into Nigeria by Empire Sports Company at the Elegushi Private Beach in Lekki, Lagos Nigeria.
Paintball is a sport meant to generate team spirit and develop leadership skills among participants. The game is also ways to develop inter departmental rivalry, sports challenges and company challenges as the hallmark of the game is mental alertness.
A typical Speed ball game, takes about 7 minutes. This can also be arranged to suite individuals or corporate requirements.
According to Usman Al- Hassan the initiator of the sport project in Nigeria, “Most first time players are attending a corporate event day, stag party, birthday party or just a group of friends getting together to have a day of fun.
He said after playing for the first time a large number are "bitten by the bug" and return on a regular basis. The common presumption of non-players is that paintball caters for the Rambos of society and those with a paramilitary bent. Little do they know that paintball is a well organised, exciting and expanding sport.
The location
The location of the Paintball sport is quite inviting and reassuring for a good relaxation Empire located on the Elegushi Private Beach. Sun, sea and energetic atmosphere is an attractive offer to fun seekers and sports enthusiasts.
The Grey Areas
Usman also used the opportunity of the first outing of the gamer in Nigeria to answer most common questions asked about the sport as a perceived dangerous venture in Nigeria’s clime.
In his words, “if you are wearing sensible clothing. Close range shots do hurt and cause a bruise but we tailor games to reduce the instances of close range shots therefore reducing the chances of bruises etc. Safety is the key word on our site. On arrival at our site you will be issued with a safety mask, specifically designed for paintball, coveralls to protect your clothes and other items of equipment. A comprehensive safety talk will be given at the start of the day before any player is allowed to touch a marker (gun) or start the day's play. We use pump action or semi automatic markers”.
As a fun game, moderate charges of N1000 are collected for safety equipment, coveralls, and the use of a marker.
Valued added
Before and after the game, participants and spectators have the unique opportunity refreshments, spice with barbeques and good music on site to make the day more enjoyable and memorable. Tailor package can be made for corporate clients, friends, families and children (over the age of 10).
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